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Industrial Hub: Ajimobi assures landowners of compensation.
GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state on Tuesday assured landowners at Akilapa and Kuponiyi villages along Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state that he would pay due compensation for all lands acquired for industrial purpose.
The assurance was given through the state Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ajiboye Omodeewu at a meeting held with the representatives of landowners from the villages where parcel of land were acquired by the government for its industrial revolution.
Ajimobi explained that for ease of doing business and trade in the State, land must be made available to investors so as to increase government’s internally-generated revenue (IGR), create employment and wealth, reflate the economy as well as industrialize the state.
The Governor said, “we all need to make sacrifice for good things we desire and we as the representative of the government are ready to ensure that we follow due diligence and do the needful for the people of the state. We are ready to pay compensation to the landowners but we will initially enumerate properties according to the stipulation of law.
“The request of the villagers on what will benefit them when the foreign companies start working is natural and we want to assure that the companies will abide by the corporate social responsibility code. They will provide social amenities for the people and these might include the establishment of hospitals, schools and other benefits.
“We implore our people to key into the vision of the government towards increasing employment opportunities, wealth creation and building financial capacity through industrialization,” Governor Ajimobi concluded.
In his remarks, the leader of the delegation from the two villages, Alhaji Rasaq Akilapa said that the people in the communities shared the vision of the Ajimobi administration to create an industrial hub in their villages through the Pacesetter-Polaris Free Trade Zone and Industrial park.
Akilapa informed reporters of the readiness of the dwellers of both villages to always support the government in improving the quality of lives of residents of Oyo State.
He, therefore called on the government to speed up the compensation process saying “the people of Akilapa and Kuponiyi communities where the Free Trade Zone and the Industrial park are located are happy for development and we know we will be the most benefitting party. Our prayer is that the compensation payment be fast tracked.”
It will be recalled that the State government went into collaboration with about 175 investors from China have expressed readiness to stake multimillion dollars in investments towards the Pacesetter-Polaris Free Trade Zone project in November 2016. The companies include vehicle-assembly plants, solar power manufacturers among others. The first set of investors is expected this month.
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Ford Trims Workforce: 4,000 Jobs to Go in Europe
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
News
Tinubu Dissolves UNIZIK Council, Sacks VC, Registrar, Otukpo Pro-Chancellor
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
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Ekiti Workers to Earn N70,000 Minimum Wage as Govt Signs MoU with Unions
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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